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P0744: Torque converter clutch circuit intermittent fault

The torque converter clutch circuit drops out now and then. It is almost always a loose connector or a chafed wire that loses contact.

Code P0744 at a glance
CodeP0744
SystemEngine and transmission
GroupP07xx, Transmission
TypeGeneric: it means the same on every make
Can you keep driving?With care

What P0744 means

The torque converter links the engine to the automatic gearbox. At a steady speed an internal clutch locks it so no power or fuel is wasted, and that clutch is worked by a solenoid controlled by the ECU. The fault comes and goes, which almost always points to a connection that drops out with heat or vibration.

Most common causes

  • Connector for the torque converter clutch solenoid with a loose or dirty pin
  • Wire that rubs and only fails over bumps or with vibration
  • Gearbox pass-through connector with fluid or tired pins
  • Poor engine or gearbox earth connection
  • The torque converter clutch solenoid that only fails when hot

Symptoms

  • Engine warning light on
  • Higher revs and fuel use at a steady speed
  • Judder at low speed or when stopping
  • On some cars the gearbox goes into limp mode

Can you drive with P0744?

With care You can keep driving gently, but get it looked at soon: the gearbox fluid runs hotter and the torque converter can end up damaged.

How to check it

With the engine idling, gently wiggle the wiring near the gearbox and watch on the scanner whether the code comes back. Note whether it fails when hot or over bumps: that detail saves the garage hours.

How to read and clear P0744 with Final OBD

Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0744 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.

This code is usually stored by the gearbox control unit. With Free you read it for nothing with its short description, because Free reads every control unit; with Pro you also get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged and clearing.

Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.

Similar codes

P0744 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Citroën, Ford, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Volvo. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.

What does code P0744 mean?

The torque converter links the engine to the automatic gearbox. At a steady speed an internal clutch locks it so no power or fuel is wasted, and that clutch is worked by a solenoid controlled by the ECU. The fault comes and goes, which almost always points to a connection that drops out with heat or vibration.

Can you drive with P0744?

You can keep driving gently, but get it looked at soon: the gearbox fluid runs hotter and the torque converter can end up damaged.

How do you clear P0744?

With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0744 comes back.